The rat histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) Assay Kit is a 96-well fluorogenic assay designed to measure rat HDAC6 enzymatic activity for screening and profiling applications. In addition, the kit includes a potent HDAC inhibitor, Trichostatin A (TSA), for use as control.

Figure 1: Illustration of the principle behind the Fluorogenic Rat HDAC Assay Kit.
The Fluorogenic Rat HDAC6 Assay Kit is based on a unique fluorogenic substrate and developer combination. A fluorescent dye is conjugated to a peptide containing acetyl-lysine. The fluorescence of the conjugated dye is quenched by the peptide. After treatment of the peptide with an HDAC, a developer solution specific for non-acetylated lysine is added to the reaction. If the acetyl group has been removed from the lysine, the developer releases the dye, allowing for fluorescence. In this assay, fluorescence directly correlates with HDAC activity.